Owner surrenders pit bull that kills dog, attacks elderly man

Groton — The owner of the pit bull that attacked a 74-year-old Groton man and killed the dog he was trying to protect has given up any rights to the animal, police said Friday.

Detective Cmdr. Lt. John W. Varone said the dog has been surrendered. The pit bull is being kept at the animal control facility.

Ralph Conwell took his silky terrier, Lacy, out for a walk at the Calvin Burrows Field Tuesday morning and was returning to his South Road home when a neighbor's pit bull broke free from its chain and attacked them.

Conwell sustained severe injuries to his arms, while Lacy died of her injuries later that day.

Conwell was taken to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where he is listed Friday morning in good condition.

Varone said the incident is still under investigation and declined to identify the pit bull's owner.